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In 1911, the Mona Lisa became the most famous painting in the world. An Italian house painter took the painting from it's home in the Louvre and brought it to Italy, where it resurfaced in 1914. The subject is Lisa Giaconda, whose husband commissioned the piece. However, the painting was never delivered to him, and instead was bequeathed to Salai upon Leonardo's death. This piece is absolutely exquisite, and I could never figure out why. Then I began to read up on art, and could finally place it. You see when a person is portrayed in painting, their mood is determined by their eyes and mouth. However in the Mona Lisa, the corners of her eye's and mouth are left indistinct, so no one is ever sure what state the lady is in. As well, the background is, for lack of a better term, asymmetrical. When you look at it, the right horizon is significantly higher than the left. So if you look at the piece from the right she appears more upright and dignified, but from the left she is more relaxed.